Hundreds of alumni, coaches, and their families returned to Stag Country to cheer on the men’s and women’s basketball teams as they played their first games at the new 85,000-square-foot Mahoney Arena.
ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ University welcomed back to campus alumni and former coaches of the men’s and women’s basketball programs to commemorate the 2022-23 teams’ first games at their new home, Mahoney Arena. These special celebrations included VIP tours, receptions, a memorial mass, and cheering on the Stags in their first games to victory.
Head Women's Basketball Coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis invited all former women’s basketball players, head coaches, and assistant coaches to attend the women’s basketball opening on November 18th. Guests enjoyed a VIP private tour of the new Arena, a reception in The Diffley, and a great view of the tip-off vs. Stonehill. The event was a great way to honor the women’s basketball team’s first game at the Arena with those who helped make ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s women's basketball program what it is today.
“I am so grateful for our alumni and coaches who came out to support the women’s team during this momentous time in our program’s history,” says Coach Thibault-DuDonis. “The support from our Stag family is at the root of our continued growth, and allows us to give our student-athletes access to bigger and better opportunities.”
Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jay Young, invited all men’s basketball alumni and former coaches to the men’s basketball home game opener in Mahoney Arena on December 3. All former players and coaches enjoyed a VIP tour of the new Arena, a Memorial Mass in the Egan Chapel, a reception to connect with fellow basketball alumni in the Kelley Center, and a prime view of the Stag’s victory against Saint Peter’s. The game was sold out with nearly 200 alumni, coaches, and guests in attendance to cheer on the Stags, contributing to the electric atmosphere ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Athletics is known for.
“We want to thank everyone in attendance for the unforgettable kick-off to the basketball season in Mahoney arena, especially our alumni and past coaches that continue to contribute to the basketball program's success,” says Coach Young. “The alumni are what makes the program what it is today, and contributes to the future success of our program.”
For more information about getting involved as a Friend of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Athletics, email friendsofathletics@fairfield.edu.
